Authors need love, too!
September is Be Kind to Writers and Editors Month.
If you are not a writer you may be wondering… why would writers need me to be kind to them?
Fun fact: writers are human and, like you, need validation and support.
It takes a lot of courage to put yourself out in the world. There is an element of vulnerability, almost like being naked in public.
For me, it took lots of years to muster the guts to write my first book and fulfill my lifetime dream of becoming a writer.
Writers go through a lot of effort to publish their books because they have a message to share with the world. And they could use your help to spread it.
Most authors are devoting their leisure time and energy to make a difference, entertain or inform, usually at a high personal and financial cost.
Indeed, some may have given up on lucrative careers to become authors. I am surprised that many authors, like me, were practicing lawyers and left the profession in order to write.
So, show them some love. How?
It is easier than you think. Most of these tips will take very little time and effort, cost little or no money, and could make a huge impact on somebody’s life.
Being kind to a writer is a great way to create good karma. Isn’t it worth giving it a try?
Below are five ideas on how you can support your favorite authors:
1. Post reviews
Social proof is everything these days. Writing a good book is not enough. Unless you’re a former first lady, a good book may not get the exposure it needs to reach its intended audience. Potential readers look at reviews before making a purchase, and Amazon is less likely to showcase a book with little social proof, no matter how great the writing.
A review doesn’t have to be lengthy or complicated. A few sentences will do. Was the book well written and organized? Informative? Entertaining? What did you like or dislike about it? Who would benefit from reading this book?
So take a few minutes and post a review. It will mean the world to the author!
2. Follow them on social media and join their mailing list
Again, social proof is key. Find out where they hang out and follow them, whether on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and GoodReads, among others.
Sign up for their blogs and newsletters and find out what they have been up to. Read, like and share their blog articles and guest posts with your tribe. Join the discussion and comment on their posts.
3. Connect them with people who could advance their careers
If you have friends in the media, library, club or association, make an introduction. A feature article, interview or speaking engagement could go a long way in promoting a beloved author’s work.
4. Recommend or give books as presents to someone who might like them
If you enjoyed a book and think a friend would like it, why not recommend it? Good things are meant to be shared!
5. Send them a message to let them know you enjoy their work
Most authors love to hear from readers. A quick message will brighten their day!
How do you support your favorite authors?
Authors, how do you like your fans to show you they care?
Thanks and blessings to all the wonderful people who have supported me on my writing journey!
Sonia
Frontera is a family attorney, empowerment trainer and full-time doggie mom. She is the proud survivor of an unhappy marriage, a liberating divorce and is living proof that there’s life after separation. Sonia is the author of the #1 bestseller “Solve the Divorce Dilemma: Do You Keep Your Husband or Do You Post Him on Craigslist?”
She loves to hear from readers and can be reached at her internet home.
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